A control circuit for a microfluidic cell sorter and a microfluidic cell sorter

Abstract

The utility model relates to biomedical instrument and micro -fluidic technical field discloses a control circuit for micro -fluidic cell sorter, and this circuit includes: main control MCU, illumination module is used for adjusting the illumination intensity of external lighting equipment, ADC collection module is used for gathering the voltage signal from external photomultiplier PMT, sensor signal receiving module is used for receiving the sensor signal from external objective table movement position, communication module is used for with external host computer carries out instruction and data's interaction, high -voltage generator communication and control module are used for controlling the high -voltage electric field required by cell sorting, electronic pressure controller module is used for controlling and reading the multichannel fluid pressure in micro -fluidic chip, drive control module is used for connecting external drive mechanism and controls the mechanical movement of external drive mechanism, and power module is used for providing power supply for each module and main control MCU. The application reduces the overall volume and assembly complexity of the equipment through the integration module design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of biomedical instruments and microfluidics technology, specifically relating to a control circuit for a microfluidic cell sorter and a microfluidic cell sorter. Background Technology

[0002] Microfluidic cell sorting technology has wide applications in cell biology, clinical diagnostics, and drug development. Traditional cell sorting instruments (such as flow cytometers) are complex, bulky, and expensive, making them difficult to popularize in primary hospitals or laboratories.

[0003] Currently, while existing microfluidic sorting equipment has reduced chip size, its supporting electronic control system often still adopts a modular design, such as power supply modules, drive modules, and high-voltage generator modules. Each module is independent of the others and connected by cables. This discrete architecture not only increases the system's size and assembly complexity but also leads to a series of technical problems, including high signal transmission loss, weak anti-interference capability, reduced overall reliability, and increased production costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a control circuit for a microfluidic cell sorter. Through the synergistic effect of various modules, the circuit reduces the connection nodes and redundant components of the external circuit, thereby reducing the overall size of the microfluidic cell sorter.

[0005] This application discloses a control circuit for a microfluidic cell sorter, comprising: Main control MCU; The lighting module, connected to the main control MCU, is used to adjust the light intensity of external lighting equipment; The ADC acquisition module is connected to the main control MCU and is used to acquire voltage signals from the external photomultiplier tube PMT. The sensor signal receiving module is connected to the main control MCU and is used to receive sensor signals from the movement position of the external stage. The communication module is connected to the main control MCU and is used to interact with an external host computer for commands and data. The high-voltage generator communication and control module is connected to the main control MCU and is used to control the high-voltage electric field required for cell sorting. An electronic pressure controller module, connected to the main control MCU, is used to control and read the multi-channel fluid pressure within an external microfluidic chip; A drive control module, connected to the main control MCU, is used to connect to an external drive mechanism and control the mechanical movement of the external drive mechanism; and The power module is connected to an external power system and is used to provide power to each module and the main control MCU.

[0006] In some embodiments, the power supply module includes a first voltage conversion branch and a voltage reference branch; the first voltage conversion branch includes two voltage conversion units connected in series, used to convert to a first DC voltage source V1 and a second DC voltage source V2, respectively; the voltage reference branch is used to generate a reference voltage source V3.

[0007] In some embodiments, the lighting module includes an adjustment circuit and a constant current driving chip. The lighting module is connected to the first DC voltage source V1, and the first DC voltage source V1 is connected to the constant current driving chip through the adjustment circuit. The constant current driving chip is used to output and adjust the power supply current of the external lighting device. The adjustment circuit includes an adjustable potentiometer RP1 and a first resistor R1. The first terminal of the adjustable potentiometer RP1 is grounded, and the second terminal of the adjustable potentiometer RP1 is connected to the control terminal of the adjustable potentiometer RP1, the first resistor R1, and the control terminal of the constant current drive chip. The other terminal of the first resistor R1 is connected to the first DC voltage source V1 and the input terminal of the constant current drive chip. The DAC terminal of the main control MCU is connected to the control terminal of the constant current drive chip and is used to output an analog signal to control the output of the constant current drive chip.

[0008] In some embodiments, the ADC acquisition module includes a first connector interface, an operational amplifier, a voltage reference chip, and an ADC converter; The first connector interface is used to receive external analog input signals. The first connector interface is connected to the input interface of the ADC converter through the operational amplifier. The data interface of the ADC converter is connected to the SPI bus of the external host computer. The voltage reference terminal of the voltage reference chip is connected to the reference input terminal of the ADC converter. The power supply terminal of the ADC converter is connected to the second DC voltage source V2. The power supply terminal of the operational amplifier is connected to the reference voltage source V3, which is used as the reference reference of the ADC converter.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sensing signal receiving module includes a position sensor receiving module; The position sensor receiving module includes a second connector interface and a buffer. The second connector interface is connected to the input terminal of the external position sensor and the buffer, respectively. The output terminal of the buffer is connected to the main control MCU via an RC filter circuit. The power supply terminal of the buffer is connected to the second DC voltage source V2.

[0010] In some embodiments, the high-voltage generator communication and control module includes a first level conversion unit, a trigger inverting unit, and a switch detection unit; The input terminal of the first level conversion unit is connected to the main control MCU, and the power supply terminal of the first level conversion unit is connected to the first DC voltage source V1; the input terminal of the trigger inverting unit is connected to the GPIO trigger output terminal of the external host computer, the output terminal of the trigger inverting unit is connected to the external high voltage generator, and the power supply terminal of the trigger inverting unit is connected to the first DC voltage source V1; the switch detection unit includes a double-pole double-throw switch and an LED array circuit, the control terminal of the double-pole double-throw switch is connected to the enable terminal of the main control MCU, the output terminal of the double-pole double-throw switch is connected to the power supply circuit of the LED array circuit, and the LED array circuit is used to detect the on-state of the external high voltage generator.

[0011] In some embodiments, the electronic pressure controller module includes a second level conversion unit, the voltage terminal of the main control MCU is connected to an external pressure controller through the second level conversion unit, and the power supply terminal of the second level conversion unit is connected to the first DC voltage source V1.

[0012] In some embodiments, the communication module includes a driver, and the main control MCU is connected to an external host computer through the driver to ensure the stability of inter-system communication. The power supply terminal of the driver is connected to the second DC voltage source V2.

[0013] In some embodiments, the main control MCU is connected to the external drive mechanism through the drive control module, and the drive control module includes a first transistor Q1, a second transistor Q2, a second resistor R2, and a third resistor R3; The first DC voltage source V1 is connected to the STEP+ terminal of the external drive mechanism through the second resistor R2. The collector of the first transistor Q1 is connected to the STEP- terminal of the external drive mechanism. The emitter of the first transistor Q1 is connected to the ground terminal. The base of the first transistor Q1 is connected to the first drive terminal of the main control MCU. The first DC voltage source V1 is connected to the DIR+ terminal of the external drive mechanism through the third resistor R3. The collector of the second transistor Q2 is connected to the DIR- terminal of the external drive mechanism. The emitter of the second transistor Q2 is connected to the ground terminal. The base of the second transistor Q2 is connected to the second drive terminal of the main control MCU.

[0014] This application also discloses a microfluidic cell sorter, which includes a control circuit for a microfluidic cell sorter as described in any of the above claims.

[0015] As can be seen from the above, the control circuit for the microfluidic cell sorter of this application integrates core functional modules such as the main control MCU, illumination module, ADC acquisition module, sensor signal receiving module, communication module, high-voltage generator communication and control module, electronic pressure controller module, drive control module, and power supply module. This integrated design significantly reduces the number of connection nodes and redundant components in the external circuit, shrinks the overall size of the instrument, reduces the complexity of the circuit layout, and improves the system's anti-interference capability and assembly efficiency. Furthermore, the modular design of each functional component allows for flexible replacement or upgrading of corresponding modules according to the needs of different experimental scenarios without significant modifications to the overall circuit, thus expanding the instrument's applicability. Simultaneously, the modular structure reduces the difficulty of troubleshooting and maintenance, and improves the instrument's lifespan and iteration efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the framework structure of the control circuit for a microfluidic cell sorter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first voltage conversion branch provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the voltage reference branch provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the main control MCU provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lighting module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the ADC acquisition module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the position sensor receiving module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the high-voltage generator communication and control module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic pressure controller module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the communication module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the drive control module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the framework structure of the microfluidic cell sorter provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The preferred embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the advantages and features of this application can be more easily understood by those skilled in the art, thereby providing a clearer definition of the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] Please refer to the diagrams, where the same component symbols represent the same components. The principles of this application are illustrated by way of example implementation in a suitable computing environment. The following description is based on the specific embodiments of this application exemplified, and should not be construed as limiting other specific embodiments not detailed herein.

[0030] Please see Figure 1 The figure shows the framework structure of the control circuit for a microfluidic cell sorter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the control circuit for the microfluidic cell sorter includes a main control MCU1, an illumination module2, an ADC acquisition module3, a sensor signal receiving module4, a communication module5, a high-voltage generator communication and control module6, an electronic pressure controller module7, a drive control module8, and a power supply module9.

[0032] In this control circuit, the main control MCU1 serves as the core control and coordination center. Its I / O ports, communication interfaces, and control buses are used to connect to the lighting module 2, ADC acquisition module 3, sensor signal receiving module 4, communication module 5, high-voltage generator communication and control module 6, electronic pressure controller module 7, and drive control module 8, respectively. This enables the coordinated management of system functions such as lighting control, data acquisition, signal processing, external communication, high-voltage regulation of cell sorting, pressure closed-loop control, and motion drive.

[0033] Power module 9 connects to an external power system to provide stable power to the circuit. In one optional embodiment, power module 9 is a DC / DC power module used to convert 24V DC power to 5V and 3.3V DC power to provide power support for each module and the main control MCU1. One 24V is converted to 9V and then outputs 5V through a voltage reference chip as the reference voltage for the ADC acquisition module 3; another 24V is converted to 12V as the laser power supply; and another 24V is converted to 15V / 5A to provide a stable and independent voltage for the upper computer edge box.

[0034] The main control MCU1 is connected to an external lighting device via the lighting module 2. The DAC of the main control MCU1 outputs an analog signal, which can dynamically adjust the brightness of the external lighting device. The lighting module 2 is used to actively adapt to the optical characteristics of samples from different microfluidic chips and to adapt to the shooting conditions of external cameras, ensuring that the microfluidic cell sorter can stably obtain high-quality imaging data, thereby guaranteeing the accuracy and reliability of subsequent AI vision algorithms for cell identification and sorting.

[0035] The ADC acquisition module 3 uses a photomultiplier tube (PMT) to acquire biofluorescence and convert it into a voltage signal, which is then converted into a digital signal at high speed for analysis and judgment. The sensor signal receiving module 4 receives signals from various external sensors, such as photoelectric sensors and proximity sensors, to receive sensor signals from the external stage's movement position for precise positioning and origin calibration. The main control MCU 1 connects to an external high-voltage generator via a high-voltage generator communication and control module 6. This module initializes the high-voltage sine wave signal parameters required for cell sorting, performs level conversion of external trigger signals, and detects the overall switch status of the detection system. The electronic pressure controller module 7 communicates with an external pressure controller via the RS-485 bus protocol for real-time precise control and reading of multiple fluid pressures within the microfluidic chip. The communication module 5 serves as the main channel for data exchange and command reception between the main control MCU 1 and the host computer or external devices. The drive control module 8 connects to an external drive mechanism, which can be selected, but is not limited to, a stepper motor driver, to perform mechanical operations such as three-dimensional stage movement and sample mixing.

[0036] It is worth noting that the control circuit adopts a single PCB integrated design and is applied to a microfluidic cell sorter. This control circuit greatly simplifies external wiring and reduces the use of connectors and cables, while reducing the space occupation and physical assembly complexity of the equipment.

[0037] In this embodiment, the control circuit is designed on a single PCB, reducing the overall size. The highly integrated single-board solution significantly reduces component procurement costs and the costs of assembly, debugging, and maintenance. The main control MCU1 connects to each module and coordinates their control. Dynamic dimming is achieved through the lighting module 2, and in conjunction with the ADC acquisition module 3 and the sensor signal receiving module 4, precise control of multiple parameters such as light intensity, pressure, and position is realized. The modular circuit design facilitates subsequent functional additions and removals and system upgrades, meeting the customized needs of different user scenarios.

[0038] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the power module 9 includes a first voltage conversion branch and a voltage reference branch.

[0039] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first voltage conversion branch includes a first voltage conversion unit 91 and a second voltage conversion unit 92. The first voltage conversion branch is connected to a 24V power supply provided by an external power system. This 24V input power supply is filtered by a filter network composed of a TVS diode, a resettable fuse, and a capacitor to achieve electrostatic surge protection, short circuit protection, and filtering, thus providing a stable 24V input power supply for the control circuit. The first voltage conversion unit 91 is connected to the first voltage conversion branch to receive a stable 24V power supply. Through the conversion chip U1, and then through the external energy storage inductor, freewheeling diode, filter capacitor, and sampling resistor of the conversion chip U1, the 24V voltage is converted into a 5V DC voltage source V1. The second voltage conversion unit 92 is connected to the first DC voltage source V1 provided by the first voltage conversion unit 91. Through the conversion chip U2, the 5V voltage source is converted into a 3.3V DC voltage, i.e., the second voltage conversion unit 92 outputs a second DC voltage source V2. The first DC voltage source V1 serves as the power supply for the lighting module 2, the high voltage generator communication and control module 6, the electronic pressure controller module 7, and the drive control module 8, while the second DC voltage source V2 serves as the power supply for the main control MCU1, the ADC acquisition module 3, the sensor signal receiving module 4, and the communication module 5.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the voltage reference branch includes conversion chip U3 and voltage reference chip U4.

[0041] Specifically, the power module 9 provides a 24V power input to the voltage reference branch. The 24V power is stepped down to 9V by the conversion chip U3 and output through the VDD terminal. Then, the voltage reference chip U4 converts the 9V to a high-precision voltage reference of 5V, i.e., the output reference voltage source V3, which serves as the ADC sampling reference for the ADC acquisition module 3.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the main control MCU1 is also connected to a crystal oscillator circuit, a reset circuit, a voltage reference circuit, a memory, and a debugging interface.

[0043] Specifically, after the second DC voltage source V2 is connected, the reset circuit resets the main control MCU1 at a low level. The main control MCU1 determines the start of loading the program from the internal Flash based on the levels of the BOOT0 and BOOT1 terminals. The configuration parameters and key parameters are saved to the memory. The voltage reference circuit provides a voltage reference for the DAC terminal of the main control MCU1.

[0044] like Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments, the lighting module 2 includes an adjustment circuit 21 and a constant current drive chip U5.

[0045] Specifically, the lighting module 2 is connected to the first DC voltage source V1, and the first DC voltage source V1 is connected to the constant current drive chip U5 through the adjustment circuit 21. The constant current drive chip U5 is used to output and adjust the power supply current of the external lighting device.

[0046] The adjustment circuit 21 includes an adjustable potentiometer RP1 and a first resistor R1. The first end of the adjustable potentiometer RP1 is grounded, and the second end of the adjustable potentiometer RP1 is connected to the control terminal of the adjustable potentiometer RP1, the first resistor R1, and the control terminal of the constant current drive chip U5. The other end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the first DC voltage source V1 and the input terminal of the constant current drive chip U5. The DAC terminal of the main control MCU1 is connected to the control terminal of the constant current drive chip U5 and is used to output analog signals to control the output of the constant current drive chip U5.

[0047] It is worth noting that lighting module 2 may also include a power inductor, a freewheeling diode, a filter network, a current sampling resistor, and an LED connector. When the current increases to the point where the voltage drop across the sampling resistor reaches the upper threshold, the switch of the constant current driver chip U5 turns off. Simultaneously, the energy stored in the power inductor returns to the power inductor through the freewheeling diode, the current sampling resistor, and the LED connector to continue supplying current to the LED connector. When the energy in the power inductor decreases, the current in the circuit also decreases accordingly. When the voltage across the sampling resistor reaches the lower threshold, the switch of the constant current driver chip U5 turns back on. This cycle repeats continuously, and the maximum current is determined by the ratio of the threshold value to the resistance of the sampling resistor.

[0048] Furthermore, the adjustment circuit 21 further precisely adjusts the set current by applying a voltage to the control terminal of the constant current drive chip U5, allowing the user to easily adjust to the desired current level, thereby achieving adjustment of the light intensity of the external lighting equipment. It is understood that, in an optional embodiment, the applied voltage range is 0.4V-2.5V, and the adjusted light intensity range is 10%-100%, which can be achieved by manually adjusting the adjustable potentiometer RP1 or the analog voltage output from the DAC terminal of the main control MCU1.

[0049] Furthermore, the external lighting equipment supports DAC dynamic stepless dimming, which is smooth and flicker-free. Combined with high-speed ADC acquisition and position sensor feedback, it enables precise control of multiple parameters such as light intensity, pressure, and position.

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the ADC acquisition module 3 includes a first connector interface 31, an operational amplifier U6, a voltage reference chip U7, and an ADC converter U8.

[0051] Specifically, the first connector interface 31 is used to receive external analog input signals. The first connector interface 31 is connected to the input interface of the ADC converter U8 through the operational amplifier U6. The data interface of the ADC converter U8 is connected to the SPI bus of the external host computer. The voltage reference terminal of the voltage reference chip U7 is connected to the reference input terminal of the ADC converter U8 and is used as the sampling reference of the ADC converter U8. The power supply terminal of the ADC converter U8 is connected to the second DC voltage source V2, and the power supply terminal of the operational amplifier U6 is connected to the first DC voltage source V1.

[0052] It is worth noting that the first connector interface 31 is a coaxial cable connector used to receive the voltage signal from an external photomultiplier tube (PMT). The SCLK terminal of the ADC converter U8 serves as the data synchronization clock, the DOUT terminal is the data output, the CONVST terminal can be used as a 3-wire interface (CS function), and the DIN terminal is used for mode selection.

[0053] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the sensing signal receiving module 4 includes a position sensor receiving module, which includes a second connector interface 41 and a buffer U9.

[0054] Specifically, the second connector interface 41 is connected to the input terminal of the external position sensor and the buffer U9 respectively. The output terminal of the buffer U9 is connected to the main control MCU1 through the RC filter circuit. The power supply terminal of the buffer U9 is connected to the second DC voltage source V2.

[0055] It is worth noting that the position sensor receiving module also includes LED indicators, and the second connector interface 41 includes multiple sets of input connectors (such as J21-J24). The LED indicators are used to detect the electrical signals of each input interface, facilitating software debugging and subsequent maintenance. To ensure compatibility with open-drain output sensors, a pull-up resistor is also provided at the output end of each input connector, pulling the voltage up to 5V.

[0056] In addition, buffer U9 is a 6-channel buffer U9, which converts the external input voltage exceeding the second DC voltage source V2, that is, the high and low level exceeding 3.3V, into a 3.3V level. After the high frequency spikes are filtered out by the RC filter circuit, it is then stably output to the main control MCU1 for use as the logic judgment of the operating position of the external position sensor.

[0057] like Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the high-voltage generator communication and control module 6 includes a first level conversion unit U10, a trigger inverting unit U11, and a switch detection unit 61.

[0058] Specifically, the input terminal of the first level conversion unit U10 is connected to the main control MCU1, and the power supply terminal of the first level conversion unit U10 is connected to the first DC voltage source V1; the input terminal of the trigger inverting unit U11 is connected to the GPIO trigger output terminal of the external host computer, the output terminal of the trigger inverting unit U11 is connected to the external high voltage generator, and the power supply terminal of the trigger inverting unit U11 is connected to the first DC voltage source V1; the switch detection unit 61 includes a double-pole double-throw switch J10 and an LED array circuit, the control terminal of the double-pole double-throw switch J10 is connected to the enable terminal of the main control MCU1, and the output terminal of the double-pole double-throw switch J10 is connected to the power supply circuit of the LED array circuit, which is used to detect the on-state of the external high voltage generator.

[0059] Understandably, the first level conversion unit U10 converts the serial port transmission level of the main control MCU1 into an RS485 level that the high voltage generator can receive, for setting the amplitude and frequency of the high voltage, triggering and enabling, and reading the status.

[0060] It is worth noting that the default output of the trigger inverting unit U11 is kept low. When the input is low, the output is inverted to a high level, and the external high voltage generator outputs a sine wave signal (software trigger enabled and switch ON).

[0061] When the double-pole double-throw switch J10 is ON, its common terminal 1 (1C) and normally open terminal 1 (1NO) are connected, meaning it is connected to the high-voltage generator switch via connector interface J11. Simultaneously, its common terminal 2 (2C) and normally open terminal 2 (2NO) are connected, while the normally closed terminal 2 (2NC) is disconnected. Because the common terminal 2 (2C) is pulled up to 3.3V, the normally open terminal 2 (2NO) is connected to the control terminal of the transistor, causing the transistor to conduct. In the LED array circuit, LED- is grounded, and since LED+ is connected to 24V, the LEDs in the LED array circuit are lit, and the level of normally closed terminal 2 (2NC) becomes low. When the double-pole double-throw switch J10 is OFF, normally open terminal 2 (2NO) outputs a low level, causing the transistor to cut off, and the LEDs in the LED array circuit turn off. It can be understood that when normally closed terminal 2 (2NC) becomes high, the high-voltage generator switch status can be determined simply by reading the level of normally closed terminal 2 (2NC).

[0062] like Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the electronic pressure controller module 7 includes a second level conversion unit U12.

[0063] Specifically, the second level conversion unit is used to convert the level sent by the serial port of the main control MCU1 into RS485 level. The serial port of the main control MCU1 is connected to the external pressure controller through the second level conversion unit, and the power supply of the second level conversion unit is connected to the first DC voltage source V1.

[0064] like Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the communication module 5 includes a driver U13.

[0065] Specifically, the communication module 5 is mainly used to realize communication between the upper and lower computers and the exchange of data commands. The main control MCU1 is connected to the external upper computer through the driver U13 to improve the transmission distance and anti-interference ability, and ensure the stability of communication between systems. The power supply terminal of the driver is connected to the second DC voltage source V2.

[0066] like Figure 11 As shown, in some embodiments, the drive control module 8 includes a first transistor Q1, a second transistor Q2, a second resistor R2, and a third resistor R3.

[0067] Specifically, the main control MCU1 is connected to the external drive mechanism through the drive control module 8. The first DC voltage source V1 is connected to the STEP+ terminal of the external drive mechanism through the second resistor R2. The collector of the first transistor Q1 is connected to the STEP- terminal of the external drive mechanism. The emitter of the first transistor Q1 is connected to the ground terminal. The base of the first transistor Q1 is connected to the first drive terminal of the main control MCU1. The first DC voltage source V1 is connected to the DIR+ terminal of the external drive mechanism through the third resistor R3. The collector of the second transistor Q2 is connected to the DIR- terminal of the external drive mechanism. The emitter of the second transistor Q2 is connected to the ground terminal. The base of the second transistor Q2 is connected to the second drive terminal of the main control MCU1.

[0068] It is understandable that the drive control module 8 is connected to an external drive mechanism through the connector interface J29. Ends 1 and 2 of the connector interface J29 are connected to the STEP+ and STEP- ends respectively, and ends 3 and 4 of the connector interface J29 are connected to the DIR+ and DIR- ends respectively.

[0069] It's worth noting that the external drive mechanism can be, but is not limited to, a stepper motor. When the STEP1_PWM terminal of the main control MCU1 outputs a high level, the first transistor Q1 conducts, the high-speed isolation optocoupler of the stepper motor driver conducts, and the motor moves one step. When the output is low, the first transistor Q1 does not conduct, and the motor does not move. The number of cycles of high and low levels per unit time is the motor operating frequency, and the number of high levels corresponds to the number of steps moved. The main control MCU1 controls the motor to rotate clockwise by outputting the level of the STEP1_PWM terminal and controls the motor to rotate counterclockwise by outputting the level of the STEP1_DIR terminal, thereby achieving forward or reverse rotation control of the motor.

[0070] like Figure 12As shown, in some embodiments, the microfluidic cell sorter includes the control circuit 100, host computer 200, local terminal device 300, camera 400, high voltage generator 500, microfluidic chip 600, collimating light source 22, EPC controller 71, and stage 81 described above.

[0071] Specifically, the control circuit 100 for the microfluidic cell sorter is mounted on a single PCB board, which communicates with each component. The control circuit 100 connects to a host computer 200 via its communication module 5. The host computer 200 connects to a camera 400 to acquire images and also communicates with a local terminal device 300. The local terminal device 300 includes a monitor, mouse, keyboard, and USB data copy interface for human-computer interaction. The camera 400 communicates with the host computer 200 for image acquisition. The illumination module 2 connects to and controls an external collimating light source 22, working in conjunction with the camera 400 to provide adjustable illumination for image acquisition, achieving optimal imaging results. The high-voltage generator communication and control module 6 in the control circuit 100 connects to the high-voltage generator 500, controlling and adjusting the high-voltage output and reading the switching status, enabling the high-voltage generator 500 to act on the microfluidic chip 600.

[0072] It is worth noting that the drive control module 8 is connected to an external drive mechanism. By controlling the movement of the external drive mechanism, it executes the movement of the stage 81 in the X, Y, and Z axes, or performs mechanical operations to mix the sample. The built-in ADC acquisition module 3 and sensor signal receiving module 4 can acquire optical signals from the microfluidic chip 600. The electronic pressure controller module 7 is connected to the EPC controller 71, and through this connection, the external EPC controller 71 enables programmable closed-loop adjustment of the pressure within the microfluidic chip.

[0073] In this embodiment, the control circuit 100 of the microfluidic cell sorter is based on the main control MCU1, which coordinates signals such as illumination, imaging, sensing, pressure, high pressure, and drive, and exchanges data and receives commands with the host computer 200 through the communication module 5. This microfluidic cell sorter integrates core modules such as main control, power supply, drive, acquisition, and communication onto a single PCB, replacing the traditional multi-board, multi-cable structure design, achieving overall miniaturization and lightweighting of the device. The modular circuit design facilitates subsequent function additions and removals and system upgrades, meeting the customized needs of different user scenarios. The single-PCB control circuit design greatly reduces the connection points of external connectors and cables, lowering the failure rate caused by poor contact, vibration loosening, or cable wear.

[0074] As used herein, the term "module" can refer to a software or hardware object that executes on the computing system. The various components, modules, engines, and services described herein can be implementations on the computing system. The apparatuses and methods described herein can be implemented in software or hardware, both of which are within the scope of this application.

[0075] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0076] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0077] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this application.

Claims

1. A control circuit for a microfluidic cell sorter, characterized in that, The circuit includes: Main control MCU; The lighting module, connected to the main control MCU, is used to adjust the light intensity of external lighting equipment; The ADC acquisition module is connected to the main control MCU and is used to acquire voltage signals from an external photomultiplier tube (PMT). The sensor signal receiving module is connected to the main control MCU and is used to receive sensor signals from the movement position of the external stage. The communication module is connected to the main control MCU and is used to interact with an external host computer for commands and data. The high-voltage generator communication and control module is connected to the main control MCU and is used to control the high-voltage electric field required for cell sorting. An electronic pressure controller module, connected to the main control MCU, is used to control and read the multi-channel fluid pressure within an external microfluidic chip; A drive control module, connected to the main control MCU, is used to connect to an external drive mechanism and control the mechanical movement of the external drive mechanism; and The power module is connected to an external power system and is used to provide power to each module and the main control MCU.

2. The control circuit for a microfluidic cell sorter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply module includes a first voltage conversion branch and a voltage reference branch; the first voltage conversion branch includes two voltage conversion units connected in series, used to convert to a first DC voltage source V1 and a second DC voltage source V2 respectively; the voltage reference branch is used to generate a reference voltage source V3.

3. The control circuit for a microfluidic cell sorter as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The lighting module includes an adjustment circuit and a constant current drive chip. The lighting module is connected to the first DC voltage source V1. The first DC voltage source V1 is connected to the constant current drive chip through the adjustment circuit. The constant current drive chip is used to output and adjust the power supply current of the external lighting device. The adjustment circuit includes an adjustable potentiometer RP1 and a first resistor R1. The first terminal of the adjustable potentiometer RP1 is grounded, and the second terminal of the adjustable potentiometer RP1 is connected to the control terminal of the adjustable potentiometer RP1, the first resistor R1, and the control terminal of the constant current drive chip. The other terminal of the first resistor R1 is connected to the first DC voltage source V1 and the input terminal of the constant current drive chip. The DAC terminal of the main control MCU is connected to the control terminal of the constant current drive chip and is used to output an analog signal to control the output of the constant current drive chip.

4. The control circuit for a microfluidic cell sorter as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The ADC acquisition module includes a first connector interface, an operational amplifier, a voltage reference chip, and an ADC converter. The first connector interface is used to receive external analog input signals. The first connector interface is connected to the input interface of the ADC converter through the operational amplifier. The data interface of the ADC converter is connected to the SPI bus of the external host computer. The voltage reference terminal of the voltage reference chip is connected to the reference input terminal of the ADC converter. The power supply terminal of the ADC converter is connected to the second DC voltage source V2. The power supply terminal of the operational amplifier is connected to the reference voltage source V3, which is used as the sampling reference of the ADC converter.

5. The control circuit for a microfluidic cell sorter as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The sensing signal receiving module includes a position sensor receiving module; The position sensor receiving module includes a second connector interface and a buffer. The second connector interface is connected to the input terminal of the external position sensor and the buffer, respectively. The output terminal of the buffer is connected to the main control MCU via an RC filter circuit. The power supply terminal of the buffer is connected to the second DC voltage source V2.

6. The control circuit for a microfluidic cell sorter as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The high-voltage generator communication and control module includes a first level conversion unit, a trigger inverting unit, and a switch detection unit; The input terminal of the first level conversion unit is connected to the main control MCU, and the power supply terminal of the first level conversion unit is connected to the first DC voltage source V1; the input terminal of the trigger inverting unit is connected to the GPIO trigger output terminal of the external host computer, the output terminal of the trigger inverting unit is connected to the external high voltage generator, and the power supply terminal of the trigger inverting unit is connected to the first DC voltage source V1; the switch detection unit includes a double-pole double-throw switch and an LED array circuit, the control terminal of the double-pole double-throw switch is connected to the enable terminal of the main control MCU, the output terminal of the double-pole double-throw switch is connected to the power supply circuit of the LED array circuit, and the LED array circuit is used to detect the on-state of the external high voltage generator.

7. The control circuit for a microfluidic cell sorter as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The electronic pressure controller module includes a second level conversion unit. The serial port of the main control MCU is connected to an external pressure controller through the second level conversion unit. The power supply terminal of the second level conversion unit is connected to the first DC voltage source V1.

8. The control circuit for a microfluidic cell sorter as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The communication module includes a driver, and the main control MCU is connected to an external host computer through the driver to ensure the stability of inter-system communication. The power supply terminal of the driver is connected to the second DC voltage source V2.

9. The control circuit for a microfluidic cell sorter as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The main control MCU is connected to the external drive mechanism through the drive control module, which includes a first transistor Q1, a second transistor Q2, a second resistor R2, and a third resistor R3. The first DC voltage source V1 is connected to the STEP+ terminal of the external drive mechanism through the second resistor R2. The collector of the first transistor Q1 is connected to the STEP- terminal of the external drive mechanism. The emitter of the first transistor Q1 is connected to the ground terminal. The base of the first transistor Q1 is connected to the first drive terminal of the main control MCU. The first DC voltage source V1 is connected to the DIR+ terminal of the external drive mechanism through the third resistor R3. The collector of the second transistor Q2 is connected to the DIR- terminal of the external drive mechanism. The emitter of the second transistor Q2 is connected to the ground terminal. The base of the second transistor Q2 is connected to the second drive terminal of the main control MCU.

10. A microfluidic cell sorting instrument, characterized in that, The microfluidic cell sorting The instrument includes the control circuit for a microfluidic cell sorter as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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